EU long-term residence permit
For long-term residents who want EU-wide rights to move and live in other member states after five years.
The EU long-term residence permit is a Dutch settlement & citizenship visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€243 (2025)) and processing time (~90 days (legal maximum)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the EU long-term residence permit is for
For long-term residents who want EU-wide rights to move and live in other member states after five years.
This is permanent EU status; it can also support a later application for Dutch citizenship.
EU long-term residence permit - eligibility criteria
- Five years of continuous, lawful residence in the EU (mostly in NL)
- Stable and regular income
- Passed the civic integration exam
- Valid residence at the time of application
- No public-order or national-security objections
EU long-term residence permit cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the EU long-term residence permit (Netherlands) is ~€243 (2025), with an indicative processing time of ~90 days (legal maximum). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IND (Netherlands).
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Filed with the IND from inside the Netherlands |
| Length of stay | Indefinite |
| Work rights | Free access to the labour market; mobility rights in other EU states |
| Study rights | Study allowed |
| Government fee | ~€243 (2025) |
| Processing time | ~90 days (legal maximum) |
| Route to PR | This is permanent EU status; it can also support a later application for Dutch citizenship. |
Pathway & next steps
This is permanent EU status; it can also support a later application for Dutch citizenship.
Many applicants also compare Permanent · Permanent residence permit (national, type II), Naturalisation · Dutch citizenship by naturalisation, EU Blue Card · EU Blue Card (Europese blauwe kaart). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Dutch route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common EU long-term residence permit pitfalls we fix
EU long-term residence permit - frequently asked questions
How much does the EU long-term residence permit cost?
The EU long-term residence permit government fee is ~€243 (2025). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IND (Netherlands) before applying.
How long does the EU long-term residence permit take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~90 days (legal maximum). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the EU long-term residence permit lead to permanent residence?
This is permanent EU status; it can also support a later application for Dutch citizenship.
Can I work on the EU long-term residence permit?
Work rights: Free access to the labour market; mobility rights in other EU states.
Who can apply for the EU long-term residence permit?
For long-term residents who want EU-wide rights to move and live in other member states after five years.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Netherlands government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IND (Netherlands) - official Netherlands immigration authority